080 Governance and the AICD Advantage with Greg Ewing

This episode is brought to you by the Australian Regional Tourism (ART) Network recorded live at the ART 2024 Convention in Mackay, a dynamic gathering of regional tourism leaders and innovators.

Australian Regional Tourism (ART) is the peak body representing regional tourism practitioners, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation to drive sustainable growth in regional destinations. We’re also excited to share details about the 2025 Australian Regional Tourism Convention (ARTC), which will be held in the stunning Adelaide Hills from October 14–17, 2025. Hosted in the historic German town of Hahndorf, the event will offer an inspiring blend of world-class cellar door experiences, pristine nature, and agritourism gems. It’s the perfect opportunity for tourism professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and shape the future of regional tourism.

In this engaging episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias welcomes Greg from the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) to discuss the vital role of education in shaping effective leaders within the tourism sector. With over 53,000 members, AICD stands as the largest institution of its kind globally, offering a gold standard company directors course that has transformed the careers of nearly 65,000 individuals over the past 50 years.

Greg shares insights into the importance of board professionalism and the challenges faced by aspiring directors. He highlights the reasons behind procrastination in pursuing further education and emphasises the need for directors to make informed, strategic decisions that benefit their organisations and communities. Listeners will discover how the AICD course equips individuals with essential skills, including financial literacy, risk management, and ethical leadership, which are critical in today’s complex business environment.

The conversation also touches on the significance of sustainability in governance and the interconnectedness of various sectors, including tourism. Greg and Despina explore how a diverse board can foster better decision-making and enhance organisational resilience. As they wrap up, Greg encourages listeners to reflect on their aspirations for the future and consider how investing in their education can lead to greater opportunities and success.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their leadership skills and make a meaningful impact in the tourism industry.

SAVE THE DATE for the 2025 Australian Regional Tourism Convention

Don’t forget to save the date for the 2025 Australian Regional Tourism Convention, October 14–17 in the stunning Adelaide Hills. Despina will be there for the fourth consecutive year, capturing content and all the gold nuggets from the convention including live broadcast interviews across the Australian Regional Tourism Network Facebook and Linked In Pages. Who knows, you could be the next guest sharing your insights on regional tourism. If you are a tourism professional working in the Australian regional tourism industry this is a convention you want to add to your budget and don’t want to miss. I look forward to seeing you in 2025, and don’t forget to subscribe on your favourite podcast platform, to tune in to monthly Australian Regional Tourism ARTful Chats!